National Party shadow has no idea what is spent on homelessness
Published Friday, 13 March, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Communities and Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has corrected misinformation being issued by the National Party’s Shadow Minister.
“In a media statement last year and re-used again on 11 March 2009, the Member for Burdekin has claimed the Bligh Government spent only $2.5 million per annum to assist homeless Queenslanders or those at risk of becoming homeless,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The Member asked in a Question on Notice last year on how much was expended on homelessness. She also asked for details on every non-government organisation in receipt of the money, and how much they were granted,” she said.
“I was pleased to provide the response that showed in detail the Bligh Government had expended $68.4 million on homelessness in 2007/08 and will boost that spend to $74.4 million in 2008/09.
“I’m not sure which part of the answer the Member did not understand.
“I am sure Mrs Menkens could contact the 120 plus NGOs we are funding in 2008/09 to check if they got the cash – I am also sure they would be happy to confirm.
“This is just another reason why Queenslanders cannot risk the Nationals. They just don’t understand how a departmental budget works – even when it is listed out for them.”
Media note: See the answer to Parliamentary Question on Notice 1628, asked by the Member for Burdekin on 30 October, 2008:
The Department of Communities funding for homelessness programs and supports to assist homeless Queenslanders or those at risk of becoming homeless:
• 2006-07: $60 million
• 2007-08: $68.4 million
• 2008-09: $74.4 million
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3225 4280
“In a media statement last year and re-used again on 11 March 2009, the Member for Burdekin has claimed the Bligh Government spent only $2.5 million per annum to assist homeless Queenslanders or those at risk of becoming homeless,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The Member asked in a Question on Notice last year on how much was expended on homelessness. She also asked for details on every non-government organisation in receipt of the money, and how much they were granted,” she said.
“I was pleased to provide the response that showed in detail the Bligh Government had expended $68.4 million on homelessness in 2007/08 and will boost that spend to $74.4 million in 2008/09.
“I’m not sure which part of the answer the Member did not understand.
“I am sure Mrs Menkens could contact the 120 plus NGOs we are funding in 2008/09 to check if they got the cash – I am also sure they would be happy to confirm.
“This is just another reason why Queenslanders cannot risk the Nationals. They just don’t understand how a departmental budget works – even when it is listed out for them.”
Media note: See the answer to Parliamentary Question on Notice 1628, asked by the Member for Burdekin on 30 October, 2008:
The Department of Communities funding for homelessness programs and supports to assist homeless Queenslanders or those at risk of becoming homeless:
• 2006-07: $60 million
• 2007-08: $68.4 million
• 2008-09: $74.4 million
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3225 4280